The Commission on Population and Development has recognized ABS-CBN News during its Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) in Pasay City, November 27, 2024. MANILA — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) on Wednesday recognized ABS-CBN News for its important role in spreading critical information on population and development.

The news organization is among other media outfits given a laurel at the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) in Pasay City. Given in honor of the United Nations Population Fund’s first Executive Director, Rafael M. Salas, the award recognizes the “efforts and initiatives of local government units, local chief, individuals, and institutions for their significant contribution in advancing the population and development agenda.”

CPD Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales emphasized the need for insightful and truthful stories as the country’s population continues to face challenges particularly on climate change, digitalization and demographic shifts.

“We have a lot of of demographic opportunities we need to take hold of for our countrymen to feel socio-economic progress,” she said. 

“Katuwang ninyo and CPD sa pagsiguro na ang bawat Pilipino ay kasama sa pag unlad sapagkat ang tao ang puso ng pag unlad.”

(The CPD is your partner in ensuring that every Filipinos will experience development as they are the heart of such.) 

Climate, Health, Environment and Science & Technology Reporter Raphael Bosano received the award on behalf of ABS-CBN News where he assured their “commitment to inform and empower the audience” as the country faces challenges in population and development. 

ABS-CBN News honored at 2024 PHA Awards

“We believe that informed citizens are empowered citizens. By bridging the gap between policies and public understanding, ABS-CBN News will continue to serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collective growth,” he said. 

Also recognized for their collaboration with the CDP are other national government agencies including the DOH, DSWD, DILG, DILG, PSA and NEDA. 

The CPD also launched the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action, a roadmap detailing how the countries population and development agenda can be advanced.